Going through a foreclosure can wreak havoc on a person’s financial life, but the emotional toll that a foreclosure can take on an individual or a family can often go overlooked. This year alone an estimated 2.5 million American’s will experience a foreclosure.

TAKE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBILITY

One of the biggest emotional burdens brought on by foreclosure is the extreme feeling of guilt. Often the homeowner is taking on more than their fair share of the blame and responsibility for his or her foreclosure. It is so important to remember that you took on a serious financial commitment that you did not fulfill and that burden should not be taken lightly. However, if you took on your mortgage loan in the last 15 or 20 years, it’s likely that you were likely the victim of the predatory lending practices that were in place in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Lenders during this time were approving loans that should never have been approved, so some of the blame needs to be shouldered by these institutions as well – and it is!

SEEK PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING

Sometimes the anxiety, anger, sleeplessness, and depression that result from a foreclosure are too much to bear on your own. While it is helpful to lean on your loved ones for support, sometimes the best thing you can do is reach out to a professional emotional counselor or therapist to talk to about your feelings. This is a tough step to make, but can pay off big time.

TALK TO A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

Sometimes all you need is for someone to sort everything out for you. A financial counselor can help you understand what your next moves need to be as you start to put your life back together. Having a clear path to financial success can remove the burden and uncertainty that follow a foreclosure.